Turning 30
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I got to celebrate my 30th b-day with a wild party and loads of friends. We enjoyed some Baskin Robbins Cookies & Creme ice cream and a German Chocolate Cake made especially for me. Okay, not really...
I spent it all by myself sitting on a picnic table behind my room. I spent the evening looking up at the stars smoking a Cuban cigar to commerate the occasion. Probably one of my worst birthdays ever. But anyway, as I was sitting there gazing up at the amazing star-filled sky, I began to think over the last ten years. And since I have officially started a new decade, I thought I would take a few moments and reflect on some of my more memorable experiences that have been apart of my life over the last ten years. So, here they are (I thought it was appropriate to select 20):
-Got married on Oct. 6, 2001 to the most amazing woman I have ever met!
-Graduated Elim Bible Institute
-I've traveled to four different countries (Canada, Mexico, Haiti, Afghanistan)
-I've lived in four different states (New York, Florida, Washington, Kentucky)
-Driven every mile of I-90, from Boston/New York to Seattle
-Earned 3 personal training certificates
-Owned my own business (Functional4Life, LLC)
-Fathered three beautiful daughters
-Visited the original Starbucks
-Met two of my favorite UFC fighters, Randy Couture and Rich Franklin
-Began studying Commando Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
-Joined the US Army and am currently fighting in OEF XI in Afghanistan
-Attended seven churches in those four states and interm pastored one of them
-Earned my Combat Infantry Badge
-I've attended games for the Yankees, Marlins, Mariners, Dolphins, Bills, Heat, Sonics, Panthers, Sabres and various other minor league teams and amateur MMA fights
-Been through over 25 airports in five counties (mostly US)
-I can build various structures with brick and cultured stone b/c of my mad masonry skillz
-I have truly learned to appreciate the simple things, like my daughters' giggles and laughs, the gentle touch of my wife, and sharing meals together as a family
-I have followed my Shepherd's voice wherever I have heard it leading me, no matter where, no matter what the cost
-I've learned deep in my soul that Jesus has the words of life, where else would I go?
There are many other moments that are dear to me but would be too numerous to list them all here. I am a blessed man and have been afforded many opportunities and had many great experiences. I am excited about the potential and general direction for my thirties. By God's grace I will continue to be able to follow Him on this journey and I look forward to seeing where else I may go and what else I may do. Here's to another amazing decade to come!
"The process is the goal of the journey, not the destination."
For those of you 30 and above, what are some of your fondest memories from your 20s?
5 comments:
I was an opener for three different big name Christian artists,showcased for two different record labels, owned my own business, married the most amazing woman, and roped a few cows when I rodeoed. :)
Well, I am 29, but I'll answer anyway :)
I married you one week after I turned 20, so my memories of the decade are interwoven with yours.
Birthing 3 babies (naturally and unmedicated, I might add :) has got to be the biggest "fond" memory.
Most of my experiences since have been raising those babies!
Moving to two different states was big.
Walking through Pike Place Market on a Sunday in flower season with a gyro in one hand and your hand in the other.
Watching the deer and rabbits graze in our backyard in KY while the sound of heavy artillery echoed in the backgroud.
Getting to see you again after 5 months apart for training (I'm cherishing that one right now!)
There are so many, but those are some moments that stick out to me from this decade.
Come home soon! I'll have a German Chocolate Cake waiting for you :)
That is one good woman you snagged Jordan!
-Not graduating Elim but finding the woman of my dreams - ring by spring baby!
- Over 10 years of an amazing marriage!
-2 of the most amazing children a man could hope for.
-Leading a missions trip to Costa Rica (with our 3 & 5 year olds in tow)
-Buying our first house (our tenants being Topher and Heather as an added bonus!)
-My mentor/best friend singing to me in my Jeep - awkward but amazing!
-Managing my father's company for 8 years (working there for 14)
-Breaking my face on Chris Folwell's Jeep.
-Topher in my kitchen at 4 am with my cat on his lap... I will NEVER forget that!
-Running around Elim in the winter in my underwear with 10 other fools (one being Toby Cav:)
The list goes on!!!
Hmmm...
-Marrying my best friend (also an Elim
product :)
-Having our 3 babies
-Numerous baby kisses, snuggles and hugs
-Moving and resettling in Eastern NY
-Watching my biggest little man get on the bus for kindergarten
-Playing Settlers of Catan with JM and Marcia until late into the night when we shared a duplex (for 7 years!).
-3 trips to the Gypsies in Romania
-Learning a TON about who I really am.
-Planting my own garden at our new house.
The greatest blessings of my 30's were giving birth to my three children. Who could have known the love that God would put in my heart for them and how it would grow past my comprehension over the years. To be a mom, to love my children, only God could have known how deep my love would go to them and the sacrifices of love I would have to make for them. Son, I am proud of the godly man you have become amidst the challenges of life. I am so blessed to be called your mom. I will continue to pray for the birthing of the Fire of God deep in your soul, that you would feel the tangibleness of your heart on fire! Let it come Jesus, let a greater revelation of the power of the cross burn! Thank you Jesus that your mercies are new every day. Keep looking over your shoulder son, cause He is right there holding you, keeping you in His care. Thank you Jesus that I will spend eternity with Jordan. I love you son.
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